South Downs MP welcomes plan for fairer school funding system in Autumn Statement

Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert

Published:15:02Wednesday 25 November 2015

Plans for a fairer system of funding for schools in West Sussex has been welcomed by Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert.

He and other MPs have been highlighting the fact that West Sussex secondary schools receive one of the lowest levels of Government grants in England per pupil.

The issue was first raised in an open letter from West Sussex headteachers published in this newspaper earlier this year, which warned of a looming ‘crisis’ unless secondary schools were given their fair share of Government grants.

Mr Herbert said: “I am delighted that the Government has committed to end the postcode lottery that means children in West Sussex lose out for no good reason.

“We will need to see the full detail of the consultation, but in principle this represents a huge step forward and is a decision of lasting significance.”

Sir Nicholas Soames, Mid Sussex MP, tweeted: “We have campaigned hard for changes to school funding formula will be good for schools in Mid Sussex. Important step forward.”

Mr Osborne, outlining his Spending Review today, said: “We will phase out the arbitrary and unfair school funding system that has systematically underfunded schools in whole swathes of the country.

“Under the current arrangements, a child from a disadvantaged background in one school can receive half as much funding as a child in identical circumstances in another school.

“In its place, we will introduce a new national funding formula. I commend the many MPs from all parties who have campaigned for many years to see this day come.

“The formula will be start to be introduced from 2017 – and my Right Honourable Friend the Education Secretary will consult in the new year.”

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